Part 2 Reading Guide Questions: Beowulf

ENGLISH IV Reading Guide Questions: Beowulf “The Coming of Beowulf” Page 43-48 1. Look at lines 109-122. Since we know that an epic hero is “better than average,” how is Beowulf “better than average”? Beowulf is "better than average" because he possesses exceptional strength, courage, and bravery. He is renowned for his feats of heroism and his willingness to confront supernatural threats 2. Look at lines 109-122 again. We also know that an epic hero “embodies the values of his/her culture.” So, from reading about Beowulf, what do you think the Anglo-Saxons valued? From reading about Beowulf, it's evident that the Anglo-Saxons valued bravery, loyalty, honor, and prowess in battle. Beowulf embodies these values through his heroic deeds and his willingness to help others, even at great personal risk 3. When the “Danish watcher” see Beowulf and his Geats arrive, what impression do you think he might have had of them? The "Danish watcher" might have had an impression of awe and curiosity upon seeing Beowulf and his Geats arrive, recognizing them as formidable warriors who could potentially aid them against the menace of Grendel 4. How does the Danish watcher describe Beowulf? (lines 161-164) The Danish watcher describes Beowulf as "the noble Geat," emphasizing his noble lineage and honorable reputation 5. In Beowulf’s speech on page 45, what does he say is his purpose for coming to the Danes? In Beowulf's speech, he states that his purpose for coming to the Danes is to offer his assistance in defeating Grendel and to rid Herot of the monster's terror 6. What does Herot, the mead-hall of Hrothgar, look like? (page 46) Herot is described as a magnificent mead-hall, adorned with gold and boasting high walls and a thatched roof. It is a symbol of Danish wealth, power, and community 7. On page 47, Beowulf makes a long speech, an Anglo-Saxon boast. What does he boast that he has done? What might be the purpose of this boasting? In his boast, Beowulf recounts his past victories and heroic deeds, including battles with sea monsters and enemy warriors. The purpose of this boasting is to establish his credibility as a legendary hero and to inspire confidence in his ability to defeat Grendel 8. Look at lines 261-269. What does Beowulf say he will do in his fight with Grendel? Beowulf says he will fight Grendel without weapons, relying solely on his strength and skill in hand-tohand combat 9. What does Beowulf say will happen to him and his men if he loses? What does he ask Hrothgar to do if he loses? Beowulf states that if he loses, Grendel will feast on his men, but he asks Hrothgar to send his armor to King Hygelac, his uncle and lord, as a token of his bravery 10. In the last line of this passage, Beowulf states, “Fate will unwind as it must.” How does this statement point to the Anglo-Saxon mythology (religion) present in this epic? Beowulf's statement, "Fate will unwind as it must," reflects the fatalistic worldview of Anglo-Saxon mythology. In this worldview, fate, or wyrd, governs all events, and individuals are powerless to alter their destinies. Beowulf accepts that his fate is predetermined, whether it leads to victory or defeat, and he approaches his confrontation with Grendel with a stoic resignation to whatever outcome awaits him